Let me tell you something for nothing: I am at the pointy end of the semester. Blergh.
And now I’m experiencing it as both a student and a teacher.
Revelation: it’s stressful on both sides!*
You see, I started back into a health Masters program several months ago.
I had been considering post-grad for a while, but I held off for a couple of years for several reasons. Firstly, I just wanted a break from study and some time to practice and consolidate my skills in clinic. Secondly, I wanted to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons – namely, my husband’s a highly respected health academic and I am incredibly competitive… so part of me wanted to prove that I could be an excellent academic too. I know. And finally, I have SO many ideas about the things I’d like to study and the work I’d like to do – from community health programs, to linguistics, to cake decorating – seriously, I needed some time to calm down and focus.
So, I finally did work out what I wanted to do and this year I jumped into an acupuncture degree through RMIT. It’s pretty awesome. And also based in Melbourne. This means that twice each semester I head down to Melbourne (well, Bundoora, which hardly counts as Melbourne) for a 10-hr per day, 5 day intensive of lectures, tutorials and assessment.
Between each on-campus session I watch online lectures, review study topics, write assignments, and prepare for exams.** That’s the plan. What I actually do is run a business, work full time, prepare lectures, watch TED talks, read blogs, cook a LOT of food, dream about my future… oh! and occasionally get stuck into my work. Like now. Now I’m at the pointy end of the semester, I’m getting right into it. Up to my ears.
About time Kathleen, about time.
Back when I was a bit more baby-faced (and certainly a more conscientious student) studying naturopathy. That painting behind me lives in our kitchen these days.
Anyone else out there at the pointy end of the semester?
Do you also have mad procrastination skills?
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* It’s actually significantly less stressful on the teacher side. Until classes and exams are done, which is when marking starts, which is when teachers win. Hands down.
** In coming years (it’s a 3yr course) there will be significantly more contact than the two weeks, as I am required to do hundreds of hours of prac – I have my hopes set on working in some teaching hospitals in China.